In a recently released book, Buhari’s former spokesman, Femi Adesina, described the former president as saying that bringing Kanu back to face trial in Nigeria was a favour.
According to Adesina, Buhari stated that while the Federal Government had the option of eliminating Kanu, he believed that bringing him back to Nigeria for prosecution was the best choice.
Hon Aguocha, in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, said former President Buhari’s views about Kanu’s management are highly troubling.
The lawmaker stated that implying the abolition of a citizen is an option, even in retrospect, is disturbing and raises serious concerns about the adherence to the rule of law and human rights.
He stated that in a democratic society, all individuals, regardless of their acts or positions, must be treated fairly under the law. “The suggestion of ‘elimination’ as a viable option undermines the principles of justice and due process,” he said.
Aguocha said it is imperative that leaders adhere to and promote these values, ensuring that all actions, especially those concerning life and liberty, are grounded in legality and respect for human rights.
“The Supreme Court of Nigeria, in its recent judgment, roundedly condemned Buhari’s government, the attack on the home of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and also his rendition from Kenya.
“For the former president to summarily suggest that being subjected to such illegality was a favour for a citizen is totally reckless and reeks of all things personal vendetta, and so far from the high standards of civility expected from a leader.
“Nobody, including Femi Adesina and his principal, should play God in respect of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“There is obviously an inordinate obsession in the former president seeing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in detention because of his personal prejudice.
“The Buhari government failed and or refused to obey all the orders in favour of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu granted by courts of competent jurisdiction, so that any remark suggesting that Buhari rather than eliminate Mazi Nnamdi Kanu preferred that the matter be determined by the courts is an attempt to launder the image of an oppressor into a benevolent president.
“The president only used the judicial system to victimise Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the South East. Otherwise, why couldn’t the government establish a crime by leading credible evidence in court against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu for all the years. By the way, wasn’t it the failed attempt at eliminating Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in his village that forced the gentleman to escape from Nigeria.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a victim of President Buhari’s ill will and hatred against the ‘Dot’ people,” he said.
Aguocha appealed to President Bola Tinubu “not to be held hostage by the personal bias and discomforts of the person of Buhari and toe the part of inclusion and dialogue as a panacea for peace, especially in the South East.
“He said the continued incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains “a petri dish for the ongoing security challenges in the South East and dwindling economic fortunes of its people and the government.”
The lawmaker said as the direct representative of his constituent, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, he remains available to engage and facilitate meaningful dialogue for the resolution of the imbroglio.